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Assessing land suitability for leguminous crops in the Okavango river basin: A multicriteria and machine learning approach
No full textThis study aimed to create a model to identify land suitable for growing sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) in the Okavango River basin of the Kavango East region of Namibia. Advanced tree-based ensemble learning models, including Random Forest, Extra Trees, Gradient Boosting, XGBoost and multivariate regression analysis , were employed to enhance analytical accuracy. The Random Forest and XGboost models exhibited outstanding performance, as evidenced by their respective accuracy values of 0.97 and 0.96. In addition, this study proposed an innovative approach through the integration of subjective and objective analytical methods, which are independent of one another. The subjective component of the analysis employed a Multi-Criteria Decision Making-Analytic Hierarchy Process (MCDM-AHP). On the other hand, the objective component used a data-driven multivariate approach supported by tree-based learning algorithms. Twenty-two variables were considered, encompassing climatic conditions, hydro-geomorphologic features, soil characteristics, vegetation patterns, and socio-economic factors. These variables played a crucial role to identify the most suitable areas for growing the selected leguminous crops. The MCDM-AHP method utilised expert evaluations to rank the importance of variables, identifying water sources, slope, and soil properties as key factors. A suitability mapping analysis revealed that 17.63% of the area was highly suitable and 62.77% moderately suitable, while 10% was less suitable and 9.59% unsuitable for growing these two legumes. According to the data driven methodology, soil fertility and nitrogen content emerged as key determinants for land suitability. This is particularly relevant for nitrogen-fixing leguminous crops such as sunn hemp and pigeon pea, which play a central role in improving soil quality and ensuring food security
Evaluation of seed dressing insecticides for the control of maize lethal necrosis vectors
No full textMost of the overwhelming plant diseases caused by viruses including maize lethal necrosis (MLN) are attributed to viruses transmitted by vectors. The transmission of MLN from plant to plant by vectors provides the main means of spread in the field and that cause severe economic loss. Methods to control the vectors of plant virus diseases are intended at eliminating or altering one or more of the primary contributors (vector, virus, and host plant) in the transmission process or at preventing their coming together. The current experiments were conducted to evaluate seed-treatment insecticides for their efficacy on early season control of insect vectors of MLN causing viruses. The study on the effects of insecticide treatments on germination revealed that it does not significantly influence the germination of maize seed even up to 6 months storage before planting. Among the tested seed treatment insecticides, thiamethoxam 25% at 2.0 g/kg seed and imidacloprid + thiram at rate 1.5 showed superior control efficacy against maize thrips (Frankliniella sp.) with 96.06% and 95% population reduction, respectively, and maize leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis) with 97.37% and 96.67% reduction percentage, respectively. Hence, dressing of maize seeds before planting with such insecticides can be used for early-stage protection against potential vectors of the MLN causing viruses
Assessing sustainability in smallholder vegetable farms in Benin Republic: A matrix approach
No full textThis study aims to assess the level of sustainability in vegetable-based agrifood production systems in Benin and to propose actions to enhance sustainability, food safety, and year-round production in the vegetable production systems. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 200 vegetable farmers in contrasting agroecological areas (with areas of extensive production of staples and intensive production of vegetables), using the “Indicateur de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles” (IDEA) framework (an on-farm sustainability index). Most of the surveyed vegetable farmers produced a wide range of crops, including leafy vegetables (amaranth, African eggplant, and African basil) and peppers, grown by more than 50% of the farmers. The average scores achieved by the vegetable farms regarding three dimensions of sustainability—ecological, social, and economic—were 35, 41, and 63, respectively, out of a maximum score of 100. All three sustainability dimensions of the vegetable farms were, on average, at a low level and improvements were needed for them to reach an acceptable standard. The vegetable farms located in the south of Benin had, on average, a higher sustainability score than those in the north: around 50% of vegetable farms in the south had a medium score, while the sustainability level of almost 75% of vegetable farms in the north was low. Interventions seeking to improve the sustainability of vegetable farms in Benin should focus on the promotion and adoption of eco-responsible practices that improve on-farm biodiversity, water conservation, and the effective allocation and management of land and labor, to mitigate the environmental impacts of vegetable production
Molecular markers help with breeding for agronomic traits of spring wheat in Kazakhstan and Siberia
No full textThe Kazakhstan-Siberia Network for Spring Wheat Improvement (KASIB) was established in 2000, forming a collaboration between breeding and research programs through biannual yield trials. A core set of 142 genotypes from 15 breeding programs was selected, genotyped for 81 DNA functional markers and phenotyped for 10 agronomic traits at three sites in Kazakhstan (Karabalyk, Shortandy and Shagalaly) and one site in Russia (Omsk) in 2020–2022. The study aim was to identify markers demonstrating significant effects on agronomic traits. The average grain yield of individual trials varied from 118 to 569 g/m2. Grain yield was positively associated with the number of days to heading, plant height, number of grains per spike and 1000-kernel weight. Eight DNA markers demonstrated significant effects. The spring-type allele of the Vrn-A1 gene accelerated heading by two days (5.6%) and was present in 80% of the germplasm. The winter allele of the Vrn-A1 gene significantly increased grain yield by 2.7%. The late allele of the earliness marker per se, TaMOT1-D1, delayed development by 1.9% and increased yield by 4.5%. Translocation of 1B.1R was present in 21.8% of the material, which resulted in a 6.2% yield advantage compared to 1B.1B germplasm and a reduction in stem rust severity from 27.6 to 6.6%. The favorable allele of TaGS-D1 increased both kernel weight and yield by 2–3%. Four markers identified in ICARDA germplasm, ISBW2-GY (Kukri_c3243_1065, 3B), ISBW3-BM (TA004946-0577, 1B), ISBW10-SM2 (BS00076246_51, 5A), ISBW11-GY (wsnp_Ex_c12812_20324622, 4A), showed an improved yield in this study of 3–4%. The study recommends simultaneous validation and use of selected markers in KASIB’s network
Delineating a typology for co-designing whole farm prototypes under smallholder mixed farming systems in Malawi: Exploring options for sustainable intensification through legume integration in different farm types at Mtunthama Extension Planning Area (EPA) in Malawi
No full textSmallholder farming in Malawi is characterized by mixed crop-livestock farming, with immense pressure on a degraded natural resource base and limited capacity for smallholders to provide external inputs. These systems can benefit from redesign to achieve sustainable intensification to better meet farmers production, environmental and human objectives. The complexity of smallholder farms, shown by diversity in spatial distribution, resource endowment, production and consumption decisions often hinder the design, targeting, implementation and scaling of agricultural development projects. Understanding farm heterogeneity is crucial for targeting interventions that can potentially improve crop productivity, food security and livelihood sustainability. Famers in Mtunthama EPA primarily cultivate tobacco as their main cash crop, while maize remains the key staple food for household consumption. Additionally, some farmers grow legumes, under limited production, often relying on locally sourced or recycled seed from previous years or passed on from others in the community. A wide range of farm sizes are found in this EPA with a considerable number of farmers having more than 5 acres of land. With respect to agroecological conditions, Central Region has high crop production potential, providing significant opportunities for intensive and diversified farming practices. The larger farm sizes in Mtunthama enable farmers to implement more sustainable and intensive mixed farming systems (MFS), incorporating both crop and livestock production. This study was conducted in Mtunthama Extension Planning Area (EPA), in Kasungu District, Central Region, Malawi, selected as one of the Malawi action sites for the One CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Intensification of Mixed Farming Systems (SI-MFS). The initiative aims to enhance agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods by enhancing sustainability using several socio-technical innovation bundles (STIBs). These include the introduction of climate-smart practices, improved soil fertility management, and the use of high-yielding crop varieties, all aimed at enhancing food security and resilience to climate change. The effects of these STIBs on farmers’ livelihoods must be reliably monitored and evaluated using robust indicators. The current study consisted of two steps, first summarizing the heterogeneity of farms in Mtunthama EPA by systematically allocating them to homogenous groups with respect to selected structural and functional indicators using statistical methods. A second step consisted of redesigning model farms per farm type, based on evaluation of farm performance and optimizing for production, environmental and profitability using the SI-MFS STIBs, and employing the FarmDESIGN model. Data was collected from focus group discussions (FGDs), and 44 household interviews carried out with smallholder farmers hosting mother trials in the initiative. Principal component analysis (PCA), multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and cluster analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data variables and aggregate farms into farm types according to production means, socio-economics and demographics. Four farm types were identified, viz (i) Farm Type I - High resource-endowed (ii)Farm Type II - Medium-high resource-endowed (iii) Farm Type III - Medium-low resource-endowed legume growers, and (iv) Farm Type IV - Low resource-endowed maize growers with no livestock income (resource constrained). Type I farms are characterized by larger land size and higher household income compared to the other farm types. Labor was identified as a major challenge, with high labour cost relevant for type I farms, while household size has more bearing for type II, III and IV farms. The farms types exhibited variable livelihood strategies, and all participated in markets to varying extents. Strengthening market links is therefore imperative for the community. The use of multivariate methods allowed for the identification of the most discriminating variables for farm type delineation and subsequent clustering of farms. This forms the basis for further exploring variability across farm types for the targeting of management interventions for livelihood sustainability. Recommendations include crops rotation, strip cropping, conservation agriculture, access to micro loans facilities, agroforestry and other context-specific practices that address the unique conditions of each farm type to foster more sustainable and productive farming systems. By integrating various MFS activities in central Malawi, the Mtunthama EPA serves as a critical site for demonstrating the potential of sustainable intensification practices. This integration aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability within the region.22 page
Dough properties and baking quality of near isogenic lines with single HMW-GS null at Glu-A1, Glu-B1 and Glu-D1 loci in soft wheat
No full textHigh molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) encoded by the Glu-1 loci are key factors in determining wheat processing quality. However, the contributions of single HMW-GS to dough viscoelastic properties and end-use quality have not been well understood, especially in soft wheat. In this study, the kernel samples of five Near Isogenic Lines (NILs) of a soft wheat each with individual HMW-GS null were investigated. Significant lower SDS-sedimentation volume and lactic acid solvent retention capacity (SRC) were observed in the NILs, compared to the wild type (WT). Except for the NIL with Glu-D1y12 null, the other NILs were associated with significantly lower dough mixing tolerance compared to the WT. Also, the deletion of individual HMW-GS was associated with reduction in dough elasticity and strength, compared to the WT, with the exception of the Glu-A1x1 null. Moreover, Glu-B1x7 was the most important HMW-GS in determining dough mixing tolerance and elasticity. Compared to the WT, the deletions of Glu-D1x2, Glu-B1x7 and Glu-B1y8 significantly increased alveograph L, and decreased alveograph P and P/L ratios. All NILs with single HMW-GS null showed better sugar snap cookie baking quality than the WT. New germplasm and tools are identified for improving dough viscoelasticity and baking quality in soft wheat
First report of Bipolaris yamadae and Exserohilum rostratum associated with leaf spots of maize (Zea mays) in Zambia
No full text293
Nitrogen use efficiency and genotype-by-environment interaction in durum wheat genotypes under varying nitrogen supply
No full textNitrogen (N) use efficiency is important for wheat grain yield and quality. This study evaluated6 durum wheat genotypes in Ethiopia to determine the extent of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) components and genotype-by-environment interactions under high and low N supply. The results showed that there was significant variation among the genotypes in grain yield and NUE components. Grain yield ranged from 3.30 to 6.22 t ha−1 under high N and 2.30 to 3.78 t ha−1 under low N conditions with an average reduction of 40.1%. Nitrogen harvest index, Nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE), Nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) and NUE increased under low N compared to high N. NUtE varied from 28.6 to 43.9 kg kg−1 under high N and 39.5 to 51.2 kg kg−1 under low N while NUE increased from 26.4 under high N to 31.8 kg kg−1 under low N. Grain yield showed significant and positive associations with most of NUE components under both N conditions. NUpE and NUtE are the two important traits that contribute to NUE. N-efficient genotypes were found to be the most stable genotypes. Thus, the study emphasizes the importance of selecting genotypes with improved grain yield and NUE traits under low N conditions.1-1
Menú de tecnologías validadas – Región temporal
No full textEl Hub Valles Altos es una región conformada por el Estado de México, Ciudad de México, Hidalgo, Puebla y Tlaxcala. La agricultura se hace en superficie de pequeña propiedad o ejidos que debido a fortalezas agroclimáticas producen una gran variedad de productos agrícolas como granos, hortalizas y frutas en condiciones de riego, pero especialmente en temporal. El maíz es el cultivo principal y en el contexto de pequeños productores se puede cultivar en rotación o asociados con frijol, haba, chícharo, otros granos (trigo, avena, cebada, triticale), calabaza, y una amplia variedad de quelites. Los rendimientos de maíz pueden ser de 3.5 t/ha o menos debido a temporales irregulares y escasos en etapas fisiológicas críticas del cultivo, además de la baja fertilidad del suelo, eventos de granizo y heladas, por lo tanto, la producción de maíz no representa el ingreso principal de las familias, pero si se usa para el autoconsumo. Las actividades agrícolas se realizan esencialmente de forma manual o con tracción animal con la participación familiar y contrato de jornales para actividades específicas como la preparación del terreno, siembra, deshierbe y cosecha. En este menú tecnológico se presentan las tecnologías que han sido validados científicamente en las plataformas de investigación del hub.46 page